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John M. Brinker: Born circa 1836 (Brinkerton, Clarion County, PA.)
Died June 9th, 1903 (Buffalo, NY.)
Captain John M. Brinker, who was one of Buffalo's foremost citizens, died June, 9th 1903. His rare practical abilities were directed in broad channels of public usefulness, and as a builder of the Niagra Gorge Railroad and orginator of the Pan-American project he has a permanent place in the history of western New York.
John Mahoney Brinker, son of John and Elizabeth (Hamm) Brinker, was born in Brinkerton, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, and was about 68 years old when he died.
His ancestors came from Zurich Switzerland. The father of Captain Brinker was a farmer and his son attended district school and worked on the farm till he became of age, when he went to New Bethlehem, PA., and opened a general store. At the outbreak of the Civil War, young Brinker enlisted in the 78th Pennsylvania Volunteers, with the commisson of Captain. He was in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga and other engagements. He was also famous as a marksman, being the champion shot of the brigade. He was with the army from August 2nd, 1861, till November, 1864.
After the war, Captain Brinker returned to New Bethlehem, where he formed a partnership with R. W. Jones, in the general supply business, the coal trade and railway contracting. When, in 1883, Captain Brinker removed to Buffalo, NY., Mr. Jones came with him, and for nearly 40 years the two were associated in various enterprises, the firm style being Brinker, Jones and Co. The special lines of the concern included mining, shipping and retail dealing in coal, Captain Brinker being also connected with the electric light business.
Soon after coming to Buffalo, Captain Brinker conceived the idea of building an electric road through the Niagara Gorge. His proposal was at first met with incredulity, but his earnestness compelled attention. He undertook the construction of the road and accomplished the work at an expenditure of nearly a million dollars.
In 1895 at a dinner given in Atlanta, Captain Brinker in a powerful speech urged that a great American fair be held on the Niagara Frontier. From that time the idea never left the public mind, and the outcome was the Pan-American Exposition.
It was Captain Brinker's belief that the Exposition should be held on Cayuga Island, four miles from the falls, and there President McKinley drove the stake which was the mark the site of one of the Government buildings. But with the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, the Pan-American plan lapsed into abeyance, and when it was revived it was carried on along different lines. When by a citizens' vote, the Pan-American Board of Directors was elected, Captain Brinker was by acclamation made first director.
In politics Captain Brinker was a Democrat, but he not infrequently voted outside of strict party lines. Before coming to Buffalo, Captain Brinker was baptized in the Dutch Reformed Church. During his residence in this city he atteneed the Presbyterian Church.
Toward the close of Captain Brinker's life, the Niagara Gorge Railroad became involved in difficulties, and he sustained heavy losses. But his firmness remained unshaken and to the end he remained the capable, self-reliant man of his prime.
September 22, 1864, Captain Brinker married Clara T. Space of New Bethlehem, PA., the bride being a daughter of George and Sarah (Cribbs) Space. He is survived by his wife, by two sons, Frank M. and James A. Brinker, and a daughter, Mrs. Henry P. Werner.
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